Rule of the cosmos changes hands on 31st January 2014 as the scandalous Snake, reluctantly, passes the baton to the humanitarian Horse.

The Snake year (2013) is over, so the Snake’s short cuts just do not work anymore; instead, work will be undertaken at an exceptional pace without a song and dance and the outcomes will be that much more satisfying; add to that, the Horse’s joie de vivre, everyone will be having a blast at the very same time.

Fun, frisky and fearless the Horse’s energy picks us up, carrying us along as if caught in a sort of Horse hurricane. This sign knows how to work hard and most definitely plays hard. Horses do both by the book; work adhering to the rules, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and then they go party like hedonists! That sets up what this year has in store for everyone. There is a focus on quality as well as quantity and everybody feels obliged to come up to the bar; when they do, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and positive self-esteem.

Lending its humor to all situations, the Horse entertains whilst drawing attention to issues that require notice. This is the sign of the humane rebel advocate who uses its intelligence, audacity and nerve to unsettle the established powers to push them to extend their boundaries and force them open to change. As the academic, satirist and rebel, the Horse’s opinion holds clout with the masses despite attempts by political machines to undermine it. However, because of the Horse’s unwavering pursuit of the truth, underdogs emerge victorious. That is why Horse years are famous for political upheavals, protests and riots.

With a strong leaning towards social activism, unification and general humanitarian concerns, it comes as no shock that the women’s vote was earned by the Suffragettes in 1918, the reunification of Germany occurred in 1990, the Euro became the sole currency in most part of Europe in 2002, the international Criminal Court was established and many other major movements for equality occur during Horse years. Horse sign Nelson Mandela was released in 1990, which was also the year of the Horse. Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that to instigate these changes, often times, some chaos is required and Horse years are known for this too. Leaders and important people are assassinated in Horse years.

Feminism, gay rights and sexual liberation are also given freedom of expression. It was in 1954 that the first issue of Sports Illustrated was published, Robert Maplethorpe’s homoerotic artwork was given the go ahead in 1978 despite public outcry and Horse sign Harvey Milk was assassinated in Horse year 1978 which, although a negative event, ultimately heralded in a period of greater acceptance for the LGBT community. Horse years favor politics that are left of the centre, inclusive environments and free speech for all, however disturbing one’s views may be.

With the copious amounts of daring and energy of reckless abandon, this is a great time to make dreams a reality. Taking on the Horse’s casual and detached nature encourages a carefree attitude that is conducive to creating powerfully romantic connections. Neither projects desperation and both are happy to let go and see where the chemistry leads. That is a wise strategy this year as the winds can change direction very quickly so it’s better to go by your instinct than any conventional wisdom. Grab on to something though, for the storm inside this stallion is stirring and he is ready and rearing to go; riding with this impulsive, responsive and confident creature, this much can be guaranteed, it is going to be one hell of an adventure. 2014 is the year of the Horse.

Oct 2013

Aries – Just as things begin to settle down, you will find that the pace of your life speeds up. There is much activity and a few milestones to reach. Luckily for you, universal forces are on your side and you might even be proud of your achievements.

Taurus – Allow yourself the luxury of stillness this month. What is happening on the inside is more important than what is projected on the outside. Without your conscious knowledge, you are in preparation mode for the next phase of your life.

Gemini – Go for it Gemini, you have rarely been this creative, so use it to the best of your ability. This is the perfect month to let your genius out and show the world just how brightly you can shine. Dazzle then with your sparks.

Cancer – With two very viable options to choose from in the palm of your hand, you face a dilemma as both roads contain blessings and pitfalls. Both roads lead to home so actually, the choice is not that important; how you handle the journey is key.

Leo – All of the pent up frustration you may have been experiencing will find release this month. Whether the decision will be taken out of your hands or whether your strength pushes you to choose remains to be seen, but resolution is imminent.

Virgo – As usual, this will be another busy month with a dfifference; rather than everything being a chore, you will be exhilarated by the challenges that you will face as they will push you and bring the gladiator in you out.

Libra – Give yourself the gift of kindness and patience this month as you might not be functioning at your peak. Not everybody can all of the time especially when rest and recuperation is required. Mistakes are great opportunities to learn from, berating yourself is pointless.

Scorpio – A positive time of good relations and peace. The storm is over and the lesson of non-attachment you learned has clearly served you well as you allow everything and everyone to be as it wants to be. That’s why your dreams come to you in effortless ease.

Sagittarius – Despite the drama and trauma of the past, you have made some amazing advancements and are actually moving on. Sometimes it is good to acknowledge your progression as it spurs you onwards even more. You’re doing brilliantly so keep on keeping on.

Capricorn – Much work has already been done and you need to continue on in this vain to ensure your plans pan out as you hope. Training and meeting your planned deadlines are important this month so be like clockwork.

Aquarius – When your ideals are attacked, the monster inside you awakens and in a fury can destroy all that you have worked hard to develop: trust, reputation and good will can all be affected, so know the consequences before unleashing the beast.

Pisces – It’s up to you to bring joy, excitement and color to your life, so if everything seems a little lackluster, what are you going to do to turn things around? Analyzing why you feel this way is a good start.

Chinese

Rat – Sometimes you just have to do that thing you have been desperate to avoid doing, but when the time has come, it has come. No amount of procrastination or avoidance can keep you from making the cut – so do it quickly. Put yourself first.

Ox – Suddenly, the reins fall away and this Ox is free creature. Now what you do is completely down to you, so take some time, collect your reserves of energy and decide on an adventure you want to experience.

Tiger – Get involved with life rather than speculating on the sidelines or just living through your professional role. You, dear Tiger, know better than most that an unlived life is no life at all, so make the adjustments necessary to reawaken to the life that exhilarates you.

Rabbit – Of you are working towards a specific end point, know that you are progressing well, even if you do not see the results of your labor as you might expect. Just keep on going exactly as you are, add a tad more faith and voila, success!

Dragon – Being the master of project management, getting past the finish line is an easy feat for you, so now, you want to get to that line in style; so plan it and be present so you can enjoy every second of the glory.

Snake – If you have been pushing and pushing but you are not getting the reaction you expect, a different direction may be called for. Consider the repercussions of that road if what you had wanted actually panned out, is that really what you would have wanted?

Horse – Holding to the past, to what could have been or to someone who has already left in consciousness does nothing but inflate your fear and deflate your trust in the universes abundance. Know that joy is just around the river bend.

Sheep – Stopping to congratulate yourself at every juncture is fine, but at least get there first. Meditate to align your energy and then take action from that place. Discipline becomes unnecessary when you are connected to your source; there will be no stopping you.

Monkey – Explore your goals and your current station in life because there are some changes that are necessary that you have not given attention to. Put in the mental work, it is even more fruitful than the physical type.

Rooster – A return to innocence for you this month as you experience feelings as if for the first time. Everything feels fresh and soft and light and fluffy. It’s a beautiful time of discovery that you may have thought was over. Let your inner child play.

Dog – Relying on your will power and ability to influence is all very well and good, except when you feel that you may be losing yourself in order to get the job done. As a Dog sign, integrity, loyalty and equality are the most important things.

Boar – Put your focus where it needs to be, on the task at hand and take it away from yourself as it is nothing but inhibiting. You are a child of the universe so you are as individual as the next. That is all you need to know.

Aries – When life’s pace speeds up, you are quite adept at keeping all the balls in the air and juggling your responsibilities; but what you don’t realize is just how much you have to be grateful for. Take some time out to appreciate it.

Taurus – Being in the early stages of a new endeavor, you may feel daunted by what lies ahead; just know that you have what it takes and think on all of the ways you are going to exceed your own and everybody’s expectations.

Gemini – Sometimes you just have to accept that you are not going to get the full picture, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking action. Listen to your intuition; you may even be having lucid dreams at this time, take heed of them too.

Cancer – Though it might be complicated and difficult, you may have the opportunity to free yourself from some sort of restriction or cage. Be brave and do what is right rather than what is easy. You will be glad you did in the long run.

Leo – Being in the position that you are, you might not have the luxury to be able to slow down or take a break, so despite what is happening, despite your emotions, just keep going until you reach the clearing. Then you will have more freedom.

Virgo – It may time to analyse your inner self, observe your actions while you are on autopilot to see what your behavior tells you and maybe you will understand how you ended up where you are. Take your time and be kind to yourself.

Libra – Finally, you are ready to move on and leave certain conflicts behind. Acceptance will be a good first step towards finding peace followed by an attempt to reconcile your differences acknowledging the role your ego may have played.

Scorpio – Know that the universe is a loving and abundant one that will always provide for you so there is never any need to be stingy or believe in lack. The more you give, the more you get; this is true in every area of your life.

Sagittarius – If you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, then do yourself a favor and let it go. Often times, it is all in your head anyway and even if you do have responsibilities, there is no point in worrying yourself about something you have little control over.

Capricorn – Finding yourself in a powerful phase, you are able to bring people, circumstances and events together in a way that serves your ends. Do not feel like you are being selfish or manipulative, just do what feels right and is right in front of you.

Aquarius – If you have been hiding away or not dealing with some aspect of your life, the time has come to pull your head out of the ground. Even if you do not make the necessary strides right away, at least take the first step.

Pisces – Whatever options lay before you, consider taking the most obvious and well trodden route as although there may be sexier potential routes, the tried and tested one is often the best. At least, that is the case this September.

Rat – Be careful with your finances and resources this month as auspices suggest it is not a good time to make investments or commit your time to any projects. Ask for more time to think things over then wait for inspiration to come to you.

Ox – If things are not going the way you would like, consider the attitude with which you have been approaching things. The law of attractions says we are constantly creating our lives through out thoughts, feelings and vibrations. Analyze and adjust accordingly.

Tiger – If you have the means to do what your heart desires but are struggling with other people’s objections or fighting your own expectations, be smart and grant yourself freedom. No Tiger likes to be caged and no Tiger ever should.

Rabbit – Let yourself get a little crazy this month; do something totally different and unexpected or take a risk because it is likely to pay off. Realize that there is so much still to discover and set out on a journey to do so.

Dragon – Despite what other people are saying, do what you feel is right. Look at doors before you and consider the potential outcomes; choose the one that seems a little quirky yet, most limitless, as your power to manifest is high at this time.

Snake – Do not fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself or believing you have lost your Mojo, because you haven’t. This is still your year. Sometimes, delays work in your benefit but you only realize in hindsight. Trust that all is happening as it should.

Horse – The match is now over and both fighter can return to their corners and lick their wounds. Whether you won or not is irrelevant, right now, you just need to focus on healing and recuperation. Just know your voice will be heard in the end.

Sheep – A connection to your mother or nurturing maternal person is indicated this month. You may be visited by spirit and feel a loving presence by your side. This will give you the confidence to achieve new creative feats that even you would not have believed.

Monkey –Do not keep going when your mind struggles to focus, because your shadow aspect may come to the fore and sometimes this can be destructive. Recognize when you are under stress and need to take some time out to relax your mind.

Rooster – A positive month to make investments, handle property negotiations and also find new work. It is a very productive time where much can be done in a short time especially when taking actions that have a long term outcome in mind.

Dog – If you are being treated unjustly, it is not wise to hammer on about the unfairness of the situation, especially to mutual friends or the equivalent. Instead, let it pass over you as you focus on removing yourself quickly and smartly.

Boar – Slap bang in the middle of all the drama is secretly where you like to be, because that is where all of the action is; this month will be right up your alley as you will find yourself with much responsibility which leads you to have some exhilarating experiences.